2 dead, 14 injured after shooting during Juneteenth celebrations in Texas

A shooting at a Juneteenth celebration in a Texas park left two people dead and at least 14 injured Saturday, authorities said.

The shooting happened shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, a town about 18 miles north of Austin.

Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said the shooting was sparked after an altercation between two bands during a concert at the event. Filming took place near a vendor area, away from the scene.

The two victims, who were pronounced dead at the scene, were not involved in the altercation, he said. Round Rock police confirmed later Sunday that 14 victims with gunshot wounds were transported to local hospitals following the shooting.

Police said they were looking for a suspect in connection with the shooting. He is described as being around 5ft 7ins tall with a slim build and short dreadlocks.

Police officers and firefighters attending the event immediately began providing emergency medical care to several injured victims, who were then transported to local hospitals, Allen said.

Six people – four adults and two children – were taken to local trauma centers, all with potentially serious injuries, according to a report published on X by Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services earlier Sunday.

“It breaks your heart for a family that was coming to enjoy their evening and now their life is changed forever because of someone who doesn't care about other people's lives,” Allen said.

According to CBS affiliate KEYE-TV, the Juneteenth celebration was billed as a free, family-friendly event.

Artists at the concert included DJ Hella Yella and Paul Wall, who wrote in a post on social media“Round Rock, we pray for everyone.”

The investigation is ongoing, said the police chief.